Let’s just show ’em!

May 14 2008 by Andrew Baldwin, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THE battle has now begun to fight the decision to close swathes of post offices in our area.

Whitley, two in Mirfield, one in Brighouse, Greetland and Stainland are some of the branches earmarked for the axe.

A six-week consultation is now under way on the proposed decimation, with communities already rallying around to save their local PO.

Many people will be cynical and say that protest is futile as the decision has already been taken and will not be reversed.

But we must show politicians – especially those of a Labour disposition – that we do not approve.

The nationwide closure programme has been drawn up by accountants, backed by the Government, who are driven by money.

They will not be over-bothered by all the elderly and vulnerable people whose lives will become even more intolerable as a result.

Post offices are fast going the way of pubs, corner shops, local cinemas, neighbourhood petrol stations and fish and chip shops – all English bastions of old which have suffered a massive drop in their numbers.

All slumped through sheer commercial realities – but with post offices it should be remembered that they aren’t just businesses. They are often at the heart of the area they serve.

Removing them is an act of sheer social vandalism which further erodes the cement which binds our communities together.

The closing down of these buildings would, in the short term at least, result in the creation of boarded-up shops, making these areas less attractive and creating an appearance of blight.

If local post offices are closed, many people will have to travel to get to their nearest branch, which in the long term is harmful to the environment and contributes towards congestion.

Protest? Yes, please do.

But also make sure that you start using post offices like never before.